This Wednesday was the first Dog Agility Blog Action Day that I did not participate in. This blog has really fallen off since I started work this fall. I still really value recording progress, but I find that I only have a few 'free' hours each day, and I want to spend as much time as possible with the dogs.
Last night I took Jonah to class, and had such an amazing time. He's fantastically fun to run...at practice. This year things have really changed about my vision of trialing. Nationals shook me into questioning whether he really likes it or not. After being on a fast and furious trail schedule up to that point, I've only done I think five runs at trials since the beginning of June. Granted, he did run quite well in a few of those runs. But then we bought the house, and I needed to spend weekends doing projects, not going to trials. I've peaked at the 2013 schedule and I do think I'll get back into it. I definitely want Nika to trial when she's ready.
As for Nika, I'm pleased with how she's doing. Check out this video.
Far from perfect, and my need to support her for the backside meant my front cross handling was pretty clumsy, but in general I'm happy. She finishes her Attention class this week and I think Dave's going to do a CGC class with her next. Before we know it, spring will be here and she will start agility training more consistently. I can't wait to do running contact training with her!
On Sunday, Jonah and I head to our very first seminar! It's on gamblers, with Lo Baker. I'm happy I finally get to work with her, and I'm cautiously optimistic that we'll have a lot of fun. Going to a seminar was one of my 2012 goals. We've failed to meet most of those goals, but this one we should be able to check off!
Last night I took Jonah to class, and had such an amazing time. He's fantastically fun to run...at practice. This year things have really changed about my vision of trialing. Nationals shook me into questioning whether he really likes it or not. After being on a fast and furious trail schedule up to that point, I've only done I think five runs at trials since the beginning of June. Granted, he did run quite well in a few of those runs. But then we bought the house, and I needed to spend weekends doing projects, not going to trials. I've peaked at the 2013 schedule and I do think I'll get back into it. I definitely want Nika to trial when she's ready.
As for Nika, I'm pleased with how she's doing. Check out this video.
Far from perfect, and my need to support her for the backside meant my front cross handling was pretty clumsy, but in general I'm happy. She finishes her Attention class this week and I think Dave's going to do a CGC class with her next. Before we know it, spring will be here and she will start agility training more consistently. I can't wait to do running contact training with her!
On Sunday, Jonah and I head to our very first seminar! It's on gamblers, with Lo Baker. I'm happy I finally get to work with her, and I'm cautiously optimistic that we'll have a lot of fun. Going to a seminar was one of my 2012 goals. We've failed to meet most of those goals, but this one we should be able to check off!
